THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Most people get snake bites during summers. This is because when it gets hot, the reptiles come out of the burrows. Vava Suresh, a snake conservationist and environmental activist, suggests 11 things to look out for in snake bites.

1. Do not set fire to the bushy areas. This can cause snakes to come out.

2. Do not stack firewood near the house. Snakes will get into these and can enter the house through the open window.

3. Do not keep bicycles, bikes, ladders or sticks near the window.

4. Do not pile coconut shells, bricks or tiles on the premises or near the house.

5. Do not leave shoes out in the open. Snakes might get in.

6. Do not leave the door open. The reptiles move along the wall.

7. Avoid creeper plants near the house.

8. The ditches around the house should be closed immediately.

9, It is important to clean the premises. If diesel is sprayed once a week, the snakes will not come close to the area due to it.

10. Do not allow sewage to stagnate. Snakes may come to quench their thirst.

11, Do not dump waste into the next field. Snakes that come to catch rats can also enter our fields.